The documented story
The first season included six classical concerts and performances for approximately 2,500 schoolchildren; the orchestra ended in spring 1931 amid Depression, political, and Dust Bowl pressures.
People and leadership
Frederick Holmberg conducted the orchestra and was dean of the University of Oklahoma School of Music.
Community and organization
The orchestra grew from the Oklahoma City Ladies Music Club string choir and civic support.
Reading the evidence
This 1924–1931 orchestra is distinct from the 1937 Oklahoma Federal Symphony/Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra and the separately created 1988 Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
Questions for further research
Locate original programs, rosters, and the complete Ladies Music Club string-choir chronology.
Dated evidence in this record
- 1924 – 1931
The Oklahoma City Symphony was organized from the Ladies Music Club string choir as a 54-piece volunteer ensemble, gave its first concert on May 21, 1924, performed for approximately 2,500 schoolchildren and six classical concerts, and ended in spring 1931.